Activity Specialist

The Home for Little Wanderers; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Home for Little Wanderers in the Bronx, NY seeks an Activity Specialist for the DYCD COMPASS Afterschool Program. This part-time, hourly role designs, plans, and facilitates enrichment activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and positive youth development for participants.

You will work with a team including the Program Director and Group Leaders, deliver project-based learning across multiple specialty areas, and help ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment with

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency required.
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in education, Child Development, Recreation, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Exercise Science, Dance, Music, Theater, STEM, Computer Science, Engineering, Culinary Arts, Environmental Science, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience teaching, coaching, facilitating, or providing instruction within the assigned specialty area.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with school-age children in an educational, recreational, youth development, childcare, camp, or afterschool setting.
• Current certifications related to the specialty area are strongly preferred when applicable (e.g., CPR/AED, Teaching Certification, Robotics Certification, Food Handler Certification, OSHA Certification).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and facilitate engaging enrichment programming within the assigned specialty area.
• Develop and submit weekly or monthly lesson plans, activity schedules, and supply requests.
• Utilize project-based, inquiry-based, and experiential learning with a youth-centered approach.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate varying learning styles and abilities.
• Integrate SEL, leadership development, teamwork, and communication into daily instruction.
• Foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking through engaging learning experiences.
• Maintain instructional materials and environment ready for activities.
• Collaborate with staff to reinforce participant learning and safety.

Skills

Instructional delivery

Facilitation

Classroom management

Differentiation

Youth development

Project-based learning

Communication

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in education, Child Development, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Educational technology

Job description

Part-Time, Hourly, Non- Exempt (10 Months Per Year, including 13 Holiday program days)

JOB SUMMARY

The Activity Specialist is responsible for designing, planning, and facilitating engaging, high-quality enrichment programming within an assigned specialty area for participants enrolled in The Home's DYCD COMPASS Afterschool Program based in the Bronx, NY.

The Activity Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and is responsible for developing and delivering project-based, hands-on learning experiences that promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, and positive youth development. Programming should support participants' academic, social-emotional, physical, and personal growth while aligning with the goals and quality standards of the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).

Working collaboratively with the Program Director, Assistant Program Director, Group Leaders, and other program staff, the Activity Specialist creates an inclusive, engaging, and safe learning environment that inspires curiosity, skill development, and lifelong learning. Activity Specialists may provide instruction in one or more designated content areas based on program needs.

This is a part-time, hourly position with a schedule of 15 to 19 hours per week. The after-school program operates from September through June and includes some holiday activities, as well as summer camp programming.

How You'll Be Making a Difference

Instruction & Program Delivery

• Design, develop, and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate enrichment programming within the assigned specialty area.
• Develop and submit weekly or monthly lesson plans, activity schedules, and supply requests in accordance with organizational timelines.
• Utilize project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, and youth-centered instructional strategies.
• Differentiate instruction to accommodate varying learning styles, developmental levels, and participant abilities.
• Integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL), leadership development, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills into daily instruction.
• Foster creativity, innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking through engaging learning experiences.
• Prepare instructional materials, equipment, and learning environments prior to each activity.
• Evaluate participant engagement and modify instructional strategies to maximize learning and participation.
• Maintain accurate lesson plans and instructional documentation as required.

Specialty Area Responsibilities

Activity Specialists may be assigned to one or more of the following specialty areas based on organizational needs and demonstrated expertise:

• Physical Fitness & Wellness
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics)
• Creative Arts
• Digital Media & Technology
• Social Emotional Learning & Leadership
• Culinary Arts & Healthy Living
• Environmental Science & Sustainability
• Performing Arts (Dance, Theater, Music)
• College & Career Readiness (Middle School)
• Other specialty enrichment areas approved by program leadership.

Activity Specialists are expected to remain current within their specialty area by participating in professional development, researching best practices, and incorporating innovative instructional techniques into programming.

Youth Development & Participant Engagement

• Create a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
• Build positive relationships with participants while serving as a mentor and positive role model.
• Promote positive youth development through encouragement, leadership opportunities, and relationship building.
• Encourage teamwork, responsibility, self-confidence, creativity, and leadership.
• Reinforce positive behavior expectations using restorative and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Support participants' social-emotional development through positive daily interactions.
• Program Quality & Professional Responsibilities
• Ensure all activities align with DYCD COMPASS goals, organizational expectations, and positive youth development principles.
• Collaborate with Group Leaders to reinforce participant learning, behavior expectations, and engagement.
• Maintain an organized, engaging, and safe instructional environment.
• Participate in staff meetings, coaching sessions, professional development, and required trainings.
• Participate in family engagement events, showcases, performances, exhibitions, competitions, and culminating projects.
• Assist with documenting participant accomplishments and showcasing participant work.
• Collaborate with Program Directors to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain inventory of program materials and submit supply requests as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Safety & Compliance
• Ensure participant safety during all instructional activities.
• Follow all DYCD, DOE, OCFS School-Age Child Care (SACC), and organizational policies and procedures.
• Report accidents, incidents, injuries, and safety concerns immediately following organizational procedures.
• Assist in implementing emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant and family information.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency required.
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in education, Child Development, Recreation, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Exercise Science, Dance, Music, Theater, STEM, Computer Science, Engineering, Culinary Arts, Environmental Science, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) + years of professional experience teaching, coaching, facilitating, or providing instruction within the assigned specialty area.
• Minimum of two (2) + years of experience working with school-age children in an educational, recreational, youth development, childcare, camp, or afterschool setting.
• Demonstrated expertise through professional experience, certifications, licensure, portfolio of work, higher education coursework, or specialized training within the assigned specialty area.
• Experience designing and implementing lesson plans, project-based learning activities, or enrichment programming preferred.
• Experience working in DYCD COMPASS, 21st CCLC, OCFS School-Age Child Care, educational, recreation, camp, or youth development programs preferred.
• Current certifications related to the specialty area are strongly preferred when applicable (e.g., CPR/AED, Personal Trainer, Coaching Certification, Teaching Certification, Robotics Certification, Adobe Creative Suite, Food Handler Certification, OSHA Certification, etc.).

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required organizational, DYCD, DOE, and OCFS onboarding requirements. Prior to the first day of work, employees must complete all required background clearances, Department of Health (DOH) requirements, fingerprinting (if applicable), and organizational onboarding requirements.

Employees may not begin working with participants until all required clearances, approvals, and onboarding requirements have been successfully completed and verified by the organization.

All required OCFS School-Age Child Care (SACC), DYCD, and organizational training requirements must be completed within thirty (30) days of hire unless otherwise required by law, regulation, or organizational policy.

Employees are expected to maintain all required certifications, clearances, and mandatory annual trainings throughout the duration of their employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Demonstrated expertise within the assigned specialty area.
• Knowledge of positive youth development principles and best practices.
• Ability to develop engaging lesson plans and project-based learning experiences.
• Strong instructional, facilitation, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with program leadership and fellow staff.
• Ability to inspire creativity, curiosity, leadership, and lifelong learning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and basic educational technology.
• Ability to participate in indoor and outdoor activities, supervise field trips, lift and transport program materials up to 25 pounds, and occasionally work evenings or special events.

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.